Special Olympics New Zealand Charitable Trust Board has signed a memorandum of understanding with Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury for the University to host the Olympic Village when the 2025 National Summer Games take place in Ōtautahi Christchurch next December.
With over 1,300 athletes and hundreds of other support staff set to attend the games, being able to house so many of the Special Olympics NZ whānau so close together will allow for a true community feel during the event and offer a range of social opportunities to all those taking part.
Attendees will be hosted in up to 2,000 rooms across the university’s four accomodation partners; UniLodge, Arcady Hall, College House, and Rochester and Rutherford Hall during the games with an athlete village hub also planned for, UC’s newest hall of residence, Tupuānuku.
Speaking about the games, Chief Executive Fran Scholey said: “They will give the athletes and Special Olympics wider community a chance to come together, compete in their chosen sport and celebrate the many achievements on the sports field.
They also provide our athletes with many vital health and social opportunities. We encourage Cantabrians to get behind the Games, as a volunteer, spectator, or partner. This is their opportunity to make a real difference.”